| 1 | 0 to 3 | Chest physiotherapy. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises. AROM exercises. Progression to chair mode in bed, as tolerated. Education on sternotomy precautions. Avoid lifting one hand above the head. Avoid reaching behind the back. Avoid lifting more than 5 kg. Avoid pushing and pulling. Splinted coughing. Avoid long periods of over-the-shoulder activity.
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| 2 | three to 6 | Progression with a Triflow spirometer as tolerated Continuation of diaphragmatic breathing exercises and active cycle of breathing techniques AROM exercises Supine to sitting position at the edge of the bed and dangling of the legs Feeding in chair-mode position Reinforce sternotomy precautions
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| 3 | six to 12 | Continuation of chest physiotherapy and AROM exercises Sitting at the edge of the bed Standing Mobilisation out of the bed to the chair
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| 4 | 12 to 24 | |
| 5 | 24 (until transfer to the high dependency surgical unit) | |